Replace the Fridge?

Our 2010 2551 is feeling aged, like me. The refrigerator seems to be declining in the ability to keep cold in spite of keeping vents clear and clean. Is 13 years a basic life expectancy for these? It is my understanding that they are sealed units and can not be recharged...correct?
Has anyone had this experience and found a remedy other than replacement?
If replacement is needed, is the 12v compressor type the way to go, they seem to be a better price.
Can anyone suggest a good compressor type or 3-way replacement for my 2551? Is it something I can do myself?
Thanks in advance, everyone.

Try this before condemning the old refrigerator.

https://appliancetec.com/refrigerator-repair/how-to-maintain-your-refrigerator-gasket-seal/amp/

Is your refer in a slide-out?
If not PC did not put in a fan behind the refrigerator to get better circulation.
I had a 2551, refer not in slide and I added a 12v tiny fan and it made all the difference, it then cooled much better.
In the models with the slide PC put in a fan.

Have you seen my 3 part write up on improving the efficiency of the Norcold fridge?


https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=4820.msg43312#msg43312


When the weather gets hot again I'll add part 4 which is a final test and possibly the powered fans.


Larry

Thanks for all of the tips. I'll give them a try.

You can replace the cooling unit only, I have had that done on an earlier motorhome due to a recall.

Unless you do an awful lot of boondocking, and likely to run out of propane, I would stay away from a 3 way fridge.  The 12v heater can run your house batteries fairly quickly which means you would need to run the genset at least daily for a few hours to recharge the house batteries.

 

2LUCKY, I have had several three way refrigerators in Class Bs over the years.  Bs are notorious for being difficult to cool the refrig on hot days and that is because the small nature of the B just dictates a different set of problems as opposed to a C.   That being said, I never had a problem with my three ways.   My experience and that of most folks I know is that the 12v option only is of some value when you are going down the road and your batteries are being pumped by your alternator.  Otherwise, as Don said, the batteries will rapidly decline, even over a long lunch.   

Gas is very efficient in these refrigs and electric is useable.   I fired up a few hours ago today in direct sunlight on the refrig side of the rig and the freezer is now down to 11 F and going lower.   I am on gas.   Soon, I will plug into the AC and finish the job.  It is bright  sun and 84 outside right now. 

So, yes three ways have some advantages but boy the DC is really of minimal value in my experiences.    B problems almost dictate the installation of a small 12v fan or two appropriately located to create an air current over the coils.   It is a good idea in my view with all RV gas refrigerators.   

Finally, if you try the fans and they don't seem to help, check your door seals on the refrig. 

We mostly boondock and so are very stingy with our batteries. 

CALCRUISER's link to door seals is very important.  Personally, I use silicon spray on my seals as opposed to petro jelly.   I just spray them, let them sit an hour or two and then wipe off any excess. 

Finally, if all else fails google or search RV forums for burping a rv refrig.    My first motorhome was in 1983 and I bought an old half worn out C and had to  have it burped.   I had no idea about burping or anything else about a rv but we had a blast and some tears learning over time.   

Who else do you know that broke down on top of the Mesa Verde (National Park) and spent their fifth wedding anniversary in a junk yard in a small town on the Western Slope because no one else in the town would work on my rig??    Still married to the same gal. 

Paul

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncoldnnewnseries.pdf

Link is service manual for Norcold fridge.  On our 2012 it was the thermistor.  Easy test and cheap $35 fix.  Page 20 of manual.

Worth a try.

If you find it’s the seal, they are not replaceable.  Must buy a new door.  We bought window seal at Home Depot and placed it all around the door of fridge and freezer.  Worked perfect all winter in Florida.

Is your refrigerator in a slide out? In my 2552 I found that the required deflector in the top of the slide out was missing. That allowed the hot air to just hang in the top instead of being deflected out the top vent panel. I added the deflector and added a second fan at the top to blow out the vent. those two improvements really made a difference for cooling.

If you are having problems on propane but not on electricity then be sure to check the burner orifice. They get dirty and cut down on the flame. You should be able to hear the flame roaring when it is using propane.

Good luck.

Stan